Production Planner

Job Title: Buyer / Planner

Job Description

The Buyer / Planner is responsible for the end-to-end procurement and planning of materials, components, equipment, supplies, and services that meet the company’s quality and cost standards. This role manages material requirements and supply chain activities to ensure timely, scheduled deliveries that support production needs and operate within budget or standard costs. The Buyer / Planner relies on experience, sound judgment, and strong analytical skills to plan, negotiate, and execute purchasing strategies that align with departmental and company objectives.

Responsibilities

• Procure materials, components, equipment, supplies, and services necessary for the ongoing operation of the company.
• Plan, schedule, and monitor goods and services to meet production requirements using techniques such as Just-in-Time (JIT), Kanban, blanket purchase orders, and rescheduling strategies.
• Review and validate requisitions and MRP requirements, identify and evaluate sources of supply, examine bids, and make award decisions.
• Set up and maintain material, supplier, and planning data in the MRP/ERP system to ensure accurate and timely information.
• Apply strong knowledge of goods, services, and supply sources to make purchases that meet quality and quantity requirements at competitive prices.
• Determine material requirements from engineering and production schedules and coordinate the efficient movement of materials through the production cycle.
• Identify and evaluate sources of supply that align with the company’s quality, quantity, and delivery requirements.
• Evaluate bids and proposals based on total cost of ownership, including price, quality, delivery, and long-term value.
• Establish goals and objectives that support departmental and company targets, and follow up to ensure compliance and achievement.
• Take on special assignments and projects, including initiatives to resource commodities and improve sourcing strategies.
• Collaborate with receiving, finance, and suppliers to reconcile discrepancies in receiving and invoicing and ensure accurate records.
• Implement and support sourcing and supplier management initiatives to strengthen supplier performance and relationships.
• Negotiate pricing, delivery schedules, lead times, and other commercial terms with suppliers and partners.
• Conduct business using sound judgment and maintain high standards of professional behavior, avoiding conflicts of interest and situations that could appear to influence purchasing decisions.
• Ensure that the highest quality standards are maintained in all purchasing and planning activities in alignment with company quality standards.
• Support Lean activities and initiatives by contributing to process improvements and waste reduction in procurement and planning.
• Support Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) activities and initiatives as part of daily responsibilities.
• Perform other duties and special projects as assigned to support operational and strategic objectives.
  
  

Essential Skills

• BS in a Supply Chain and Operations field, BA equivalent, relevant certification, or equivalent relevant work experience.
• 5 years of material buying and planning experience in a manufacturing setting.
• Previous experience working in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Hands-on experience with MRP / ERP systems for planning and procurement.
• Experience in supply chain management and inventory control.
• Demonstrated negotiation skills in pricing, delivery, and supplier terms.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office products, especially Word, Excel, Visio, and Project.
• Ability to work effectively in a cross-functional team environment.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to build strong, collaborative relationships with external partners and suppliers.
• Highly motivated self-starter who can work effectively under ambiguity.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to balance multiple priorities appropriately.
• Goal-focused mindset with a strong commitment to completing tasks and meeting deadlines.
• Logical thinking combined with creative problem-solving ability.
• Detail-oriented, highly motivated, patient, and diligent approach to work.
  
  

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Formal education or certification in supply chain, operations, or a related field.
• Experience supporting Lean initiatives and continuous improvement projects.
• Experience supporting Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) initiatives.
• Prior exposure to Just-in-Time (JIT), Kanban, and blanket purchase order strategies.
• Comfort working with complex data in MRP/ERP systems and Excel.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Strong ethical judgment and commitment to professional purchasing practices.
  
  

Work Environment

This role is based in an office environment that supports a fast-paced manufacturing operation. Standard hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with flexibility available for the right candidate. The Buyer / Planner works extensively with MRP/ERP systems and Microsoft Office tools such as Word, Excel, Visio, and Project. The dress code is business casual. The work culture emphasizes collaboration, cross-functional teamwork, high quality standards, and active participation in Lean and Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) initiatives.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Allentown, PA.

Pay And Benefits

The pay range for this position is $36.00 - $41.00/hr.

Requirements

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:

• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)
  
  

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Allentown,PA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 17, 2026.

About Aston Carter

Aston Carter provides world-class corporate talent solutions to thousands of clients across the globe. Specialized in accounting, finance, human resources, talent acquisition, procurement, supply chain and select administrative professions, we extend the capabilities of industry-leading companies. We draw on our deep recruiting expertise and expansive network to meet the evolving needs of our clients and talent community with agility and excellence. With offices across the U.S., Canada, Asia Pacific and Europe, Aston Carter serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® Platinum Award winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email astoncarteraccommodation@astoncarter.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.